A GOOD LIFE TO COME
Take it from me, 91 is not too bad – being 91 is sexy – not a day younger would I wish to be. Hence my message for all leaving their 70th years and beyond – there is a good future ahead. Of course there will be moments of loneliness, but surely that goes for all ages. So shoulders back, there is no point feeling sorry for yourself – no one else will be.
There is still lots to do: for the busy, take up a constructive hobby from a myriad of options offered to you – and only you! Let me name a few; maybe you are musical, a cook, an artist, a gardener, a seamstress – whichever you are, you are lucky, as happiness and contentment accompany each of these varied accomplishments. Or perhaps you love writing, composing, painting or poetry, in which case the world is your artistic oyster.
No doubt you have grandchildren, great-grandchildren or, like me, great-great-grandchildren. Well, you’ll find they don’t really want to spend much time with you – they have a life of their own and you’ve had your fair share – but nevertheless, you’re there to help, even if it’s just to make sure they have enough pocket money! But it’s no good gently giving them advice – they like to think they know best.
You’ll be lucky if you have a garden, however small. Even if it is just a window box, you will be very fortunate to dig and sow. Yet one more constructive hobby.
No doubt your library will be able to tell you about many other interests – they’re there to help you. I love swimming, but I choose a time when few people are about. You feel somewhat conspicuous, as you’re working all those limbs – even if you’re holding onto a bar – while the young ones are passing you, head down, splashing on their way to reach the other end.
I’ve discovered that when walking, you should not be ashamed to take a stick that can double as an umbrella, as it will take you twice as long to recover from a fall. Why not buy a pedometer? It gives you the inspiration to walk further each day.
Not only is your body in need of exercising, but your mind also needs stimulating. So apart from the crossword, why not try chess or snooker? Bridge is also good for all ages, and croquet. There are even dances for the elderly, and that reminds me, if you are a widow or a widower, be proud and thankful to have a ‘friend’ – it’s never too late.
Most probably your family will make you feel slightly ashamed, but oh no – be proud and thankful. Actually, they don’t want you to talk about him/her; it’s your secret and one to cherish!
There is usually a neighbour worse off than you, but no doubt you’ll find time to help – an hour a day won’t be missed. I send emails to one of my friends who is tragically bedridden. He loves hearing about the world beyond his hospital bed. Even a phone call will lighten his life. I send him the articles I write hoping this may also help him to pass a few hours, even if some of them are somewhat racy.
Last month I had an invitation from my son Richard to go to Wimbledon – the very idea was wonderful until we tried to get through the crowds. When spectators stopped to ask Richard for his autograph, he gave each one his undivided attention – much time indeed was spent with those Wimbledon admirers.
I’d like to start a club for the over-70s – it’s a comfort to find others your age. But I will have to admit now that I am 91, I only hope I can follow my own advice and keep fit by seeing my pedometer advance yet further each day.
Yes, our days are numbered, but that should inspire us to enjoy every day, every hour, every moment. Bless you all – keep fit!
For information about The Eve Branson Foundation: www.evebransonfoundation.org.uk
There is still lots to do: for the busy, take up a constructive hobby from a myriad of options offered to you – and only you! Let me name a few; maybe you are musical, a cook, an artist, a gardener, a seamstress – whichever you are, you are lucky, as happiness and contentment accompany each of these varied accomplishments. Or perhaps you love writing, composing, painting or poetry, in which case the world is your artistic oyster.
No doubt you have grandchildren, great-grandchildren or, like me, great-great-grandchildren. Well, you’ll find they don’t really want to spend much time with you – they have a life of their own and you’ve had your fair share – but nevertheless, you’re there to help, even if it’s just to make sure they have enough pocket money! But it’s no good gently giving them advice – they like to think they know best.
You’ll be lucky if you have a garden, however small. Even if it is just a window box, you will be very fortunate to dig and sow. Yet one more constructive hobby.
No doubt your library will be able to tell you about many other interests – they’re there to help you. I love swimming, but I choose a time when few people are about. You feel somewhat conspicuous, as you’re working all those limbs – even if you’re holding onto a bar – while the young ones are passing you, head down, splashing on their way to reach the other end.
I’ve discovered that when walking, you should not be ashamed to take a stick that can double as an umbrella, as it will take you twice as long to recover from a fall. Why not buy a pedometer? It gives you the inspiration to walk further each day.
Not only is your body in need of exercising, but your mind also needs stimulating. So apart from the crossword, why not try chess or snooker? Bridge is also good for all ages, and croquet. There are even dances for the elderly, and that reminds me, if you are a widow or a widower, be proud and thankful to have a ‘friend’ – it’s never too late.
Most probably your family will make you feel slightly ashamed, but oh no – be proud and thankful. Actually, they don’t want you to talk about him/her; it’s your secret and one to cherish!
There is usually a neighbour worse off than you, but no doubt you’ll find time to help – an hour a day won’t be missed. I send emails to one of my friends who is tragically bedridden. He loves hearing about the world beyond his hospital bed. Even a phone call will lighten his life. I send him the articles I write hoping this may also help him to pass a few hours, even if some of them are somewhat racy.
Last month I had an invitation from my son Richard to go to Wimbledon – the very idea was wonderful until we tried to get through the crowds. When spectators stopped to ask Richard for his autograph, he gave each one his undivided attention – much time indeed was spent with those Wimbledon admirers.
I’d like to start a club for the over-70s – it’s a comfort to find others your age. But I will have to admit now that I am 91, I only hope I can follow my own advice and keep fit by seeing my pedometer advance yet further each day.
Yes, our days are numbered, but that should inspire us to enjoy every day, every hour, every moment. Bless you all – keep fit!
For information about The Eve Branson Foundation: www.evebransonfoundation.org.uk